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Movies / On DVD / China: The Panda Adventure
China: The Panda Adventure

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China: The Panda Adventure

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42 %
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Reviews Counted: 19

Fresh: 8

Rotten:11

Average Rating: 5/10

Rated: Not Rated

Runtime: 49 mins

Genre: Childrens

Theatrical Release:Sep 14, 2001 Limited

Synopsis: The fascinating natural habitat of the Giant Panda opens up to the public on this cinematic trip to China. Originally shot for the IMAX format, the action begins in 1936, with Ruth Harkness (Maria... The fascinating natural habitat of the Giant Panda opens up to the public on this cinematic trip to China. Originally shot for the IMAX format, the action begins in 1936, with Ruth Harkness (Maria Bello) arriving in China to settle the estate of her late husband. A paradox lies at the heart of his death, which occurred while he was out observing the Giant Panda--he believed it was a peaceful creature, while hunter, Dakar Johnson (Xander Berkeley) believed them to be unruly, vicious animals. Sadly the actions of people like Johnson have made it hard for others to make up their own minds, as the Giant Panda teeters perilously on the brink of extinction. Harkenss sets out to observe the animals for herself so she can make up her own mind about them, and encounters some extraordinary scenes, which are superbly captured on film in this moving, historically fascinating release. [More]

Starring: Xander Berkeley, Maria Bello

Starring: Xander Berkeley, Maria Bello


Studio: Imax Corporation

[See More Credits]

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Release:

Feb 1, 2005

[DVD Details]
 
 
  • Experience the world of the magnificent and rare Giant Panda as you travel back in time on an exciting expedition through the breathtaking splendor of 1936 China. Inspired by the true-life story of widowed New York socialite Ruth Harkness, a fiercely independent woman who dared to take up her late husband's expedition, journeying deep into the forests of China to study the Giant Panda.
  • Source: Warner Home Video
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    Reviews for China: The Panda Adventure

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    1 - 20 (sorted by date)
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    Pretty pandas, and Maria Bello: Good. Movie, so-so.

    Full Review Source: StaciWilson.com | comment Comment
    12/31/04
    Staci Layne Wilson
    StaciWilson.com

    Each stunning scene is a delicious sight, filled with gorgeous, lush landscapes. . .Just open your eyes and say, "A-a-a-ah."

    Full Review Source: Sun Newspapers of Cleveland | comment Comment
    04/04/03
    Gerry Shamray
    Sun Newspapers of Cleveland
    N/R

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: Urban Cinefile | comment Comment
    09/17/02
    Urban Cinefile Critics
    Urban Cinefile

    [Young] occasionally mines the IMAX cliches ... but more often he delivers unforgettable images of China.

    Full Review Source: Detroit Free Press | comment Comment
    06/28/02
    John Monaghan
    Detroit Free Press
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    Imax Corp. has been struggling in the last year, and "China: The Panda Adventure" illustrates one reason why.

    Full Review Source: Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL) | comment Comment
    06/20/02
    Jeffrey Westhoff
    Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL)

    [W]hen it's all sewn together the final product is as unlovely as Frankenstein.

    Full Review Source: Big Movie Zone | comment Comment
    06/17/02
    Herb Lash
    Big Movie Zone

    The spectacle provided by the large-screen format is largely wasted on the movie's schmaltzy storyline.

    Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine | comment Comment
    02/03/02
    Francesca Dinglasan
    Boxoffice Magazine

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: New York Post | comment Comment
    10/15/01
    V.A. Musetto
    New York Post
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    recreates a simplified tale fit for TV, shows off a pawfull of sweet pandas and offers up a tiny tea cup serving of truly memorable China pans.

    Full Review Source: Hollywood Report Card | comment Comment
    10/12/01
    Ross Anthony
    Hollywood Report Card

    The script is a clunker, the acting atrocious, and there's not even enough panda footage to keep the kids happy.

    Full Review Source: Citysearch | comment Comment
    09/28/01
    Justin Hartung
    Citysearch

    A stirring and thrilling adventure that rewards viewers of all ages.

    Full Review Source: Jam! Movies | comment Comment
    09/21/01
    Louis B. Hobson
    Jam! Movies

    Gives only glimpses of the potential for dynamic storytelling many have longed for in an Imax film.

    Full Review Source: Hollywood Reporter | comment Comment
    09/20/01
    David Hunter
    Hollywood Reporter
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic
    N/R

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: eye WEEKLY | comment Comment
    09/17/01
    Catharine Tunnacliffe
    eye WEEKLY

    Despite being helmed by Robert M. Young, who knows more than a bit about docus and drama, China immediately plays as a wooden period piece.

    Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
    09/14/01
    Robert Koehler
    Variety
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    The footage of pandas in their natural surroundings is enchanting.

    Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide | comment Comment
    09/14/01
    Maitland McDonagh
    TV Guide's Movie Guide

    Why not make a straight documentary about the remarkable creatures instead of a bad melodrama? Or at least remember to show the playful pandas in the first place?

    Full Review Source: Los Angeles Daily News | comment Comment
    09/14/01
    Glenn Whipp
    Los Angeles Daily News

    So much care has been lavished on the lush, vivid cinematography that very little seems to have been left over for such picayune matters as script continuity, plausible dialogue, coherent editing and acting.

    Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
    09/13/01
    A.O. Scott
    New York Times
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    [Young] knows what's important in an IMAX movie and makes certain that the vastness and beauty of China are matched by the pandas' lovable quotient.

    Full Review Source: Dallas Morning News | comment Comment
    09/13/01
    Philip Wuntch
    Dallas Morning News
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    Young delivers a spry, richly detailed adventure for general audiences, truly a feat deserving acclaim.

    comment Comment
    09/13/01
    Gregory Weinkauf
    New Times

    If you can ignore the cookie-cutter story and wooden characters and focus instead on the natural wonders that are passing us by as we travel up the Yangtze, chances are good that you won't be disappointed.

    Full Review Source: Chicago Tribune | comment Comment
    09/13/01
    John Petrakis
    Chicago Tribune
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic
     
     
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